Norwegian Armed Forces take delivery of the first NH90 NFH maritime helicopter 0512111.

The NH90 delivered is the first of 14 NH90s intended to replace the Lynx helicopters for the Coast Guard in addition to providing helicopter ASW capability to the new Nansen class frigates. The Norwegian NH90s will be based at Bardufoss Air Station where they will start their operational career after initial training. Norway is one of the nations selecting the NFH variant together with The Netherlands, France, Italy and Belgium. A total of 111 NH90 NFH naval helicopters have been ordered by these nations.

The NH90 NFH variant is primarily designed for autonomous and joint Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) missions. The comprehensive mission equipment packages allow a wide range of additional missions to be performed including Search and Rescue (SAR), maritime patrol, vertical replenishment, troop transport, medical evacuation and amphibious support roles.

The helicopter is designed for day and night operations in adverse weather conditions from the decks of ships. Because of its optimal weight and dimensions, the deck-lock system, the deck traversing system and the automatic blade and tail folding system, it can operate from small frigates even in high sea states. The NH90 is the most successful European helicopter programme ever. Firm orders have been placed by 14 countries including France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, Spain and Belgium in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand and Oman overseas.